Few things are as delightful as the sweet, refreshing taste of strawberry ice cream. This Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream recipe captures the essence of ripe strawberries in a creamy, smooth base, making it a perfect treat for warm days or any time you crave a fruity dessert.
Making this classic ice cream at home with the Ninja Creami is easy and satisfying. Ready to dive into a bowl of delicious strawberry ice cream? Let’s get started!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 24 hours
- Process Time: 5 minutes
Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped 🍓
1 cup whole milk 🥛
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍚
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
A pinch of salt 🧂
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes until they become juicy.
- Blend the Mixture: In a blender, combine the macerated strawberries (with their juice), whole milk, heavy cream, remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial for ensuring the mixture is thoroughly chilled and the flavors meld together.
- Process in the Ninja Creami: After chilling, pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Insert the container into the machine and select the “Ice Cream” setting. Let the machine churn the mixture into creamy ice cream.
- Check Consistency: Once the cycle is complete, check the consistency. If the ice cream isn’t as smooth and creamy as you’d like, use the “Re-spin” option until you achieve the desired texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the strawberry ice cream into bowls or cones. For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of strawberry sauce.
Recipe Video
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
Flavor Variations to Try
- Strawberry Shortcake: Mix in pieces of shortcake or pound cake during the “Mix-in” stage for a delicious twist.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry: Add mini chocolate chips or a swirl of chocolate sauce for a chocolatey treat.
- Strawberry Banana: Blend in one ripe banana with the strawberries for a creamy, fruity variation.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Swirl in small chunks of cheesecake or a bit of cream cheese during the mix-in stage for a rich flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Ice Cream
- Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them before blending.
- Even Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the ice cream base is completely chilled before processing to achieve the smoothest texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Ice Cream Too Hard: If your ice cream is too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
- Not Creamy Enough: Use the “Re-spin” function on the Ninja Creami to improve the texture if it’s not creamy enough after the first cycle.
- Ice Crystals: Ensure the mixture is blended smoothly and chilled thoroughly to avoid ice crystals forming in the ice cream.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Ice Cream
Serve your strawberry ice cream in chilled bowls or cones to keep it from melting too quickly. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, or even a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.
For storing, keep the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week to maintain its fresh, creamy texture. When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping.